This gracious and inviting kitchen is the centerpiece of year-round vacation home in the new urbanist town of Seaside, Florida. Soon after the owner purchased the lot in 2006, he turned to Seaside architect Leo Casas for a new home in the spirit of the Shingle Style and in keeping with the traditional architecture of the town. Leo has designed many new homes and renovations in Seaside. Leo teamed up with the respected construction firm of Arkon Group, Inc., as the builder. Construction of the house began in 2007. The local building traditions of wood construction also played a significant role in the way the house was to be crafted both outside and inside. A deep cased opening with significant architectural detailing creates a gracious transition between the kitchen and open living room. The kitchen’s neutral palette complements the main living spaces’ soft mix of blues and greens. The same wide-plank wood flooring enhances the sense of connectivity and flow between the spaces. To the left of the kitchen is a back-door / mudroom. A pair of landscape paintings offers a pleasing counterpoint to the room’s vertical wood paneling. The Kitchen is a masterful mix of hand-crafted custom cabinets, sophisticated finishes and fixtures, rich natural materials, top-of-the-line appliances, and an array of functional storage ideas. Exposed beams, architectural millwork, beaded-board panels, and carpenter details, as well as a mix of hanging light fixtures add visual interest. The room features wide-plank wooden flooring stained dark to complement the kitchen white wooden surfaces. A large central island with a butcher block countertop complements the finely honed black granite that defines the perimeter counters. A pair of galvanized stools adds a contemporary touch. A double farm sink rests under the kitchen’s bank of windows. The large center window features a traditional nine-pane configuration, instilling a sense an old-world character in the craftsman kitchen. The finely honed granite countertops complement the kitchen’s wooden surfaces and carpenter detailing. A Viking range anchors one wall. A patterned tile backsplash complements the stainless steel appliance. The range features a water faucet for easy access to fill large pots for pasta and shrimp boils. A below-counter wine cooler anchors one wall of the kitchen. A bank of glass-fronted cabinets opens up to allow the kitchen to feel larger than its actual dimensions. To accommodate entertaining and summer vacations, the kitchen features a drawer fridge in addition to the standard upright. Stacked pull-out compartments offer easy access and convenient storage for beverages and such. An appliance garage storage unit tucked in one corner on the counter provides a space for the toaster and blender – which are used on rare occasions and don’t take up precious counter work surfaces. Deep set windows and traditional detailing on the cabinets complements the kitchen’s sleek stainless steel appliances and natural stone finishes.